WESTCHESTER, Ill. — Andrew Corporation, which has a major manufacturing facility in Smithfield, N.C., is buying the cellular wireless technology division of Georgia-based EMS Technologies.
EMS Technologies is selling its EMS Wireless division in a deal worth $50.5 million in cash. EMS’ headquarters and its wireless division are based in Norcross, Ga.
EMS Wireless builds base station antennas and repeaters for cellular networks. The major wireless system operators are among the division’s customers.
Andrew is a provider of communications systems and solutions. It manufacturers satellite dishes in Smithfield. The company also has an administrative operation in Garner, N.C.
“EMS Wireless and its employees have a successful track record in innovation and customer responsiveness, and their addition to Andrew will deliver compelling strategic and financial benefits,” said John DeSana, group president of the Antenna and Cable Products Segment for Andrew Corporation. “EMS Wireless will strengthen our relationships with key customers and extend our leadership position in wireless subsystems.”
The EMS Wireless group produced $28.5 million in revenues in the first half of 2006. It employs some 200 people in Norcross.
Paul Domorski, chief executive officer of EMS Technologies, said the division is being sold as other network communications gear providers consolidate.
“(T)he industry is consolidating rapidly and greater scale is very important,” Domorski said. “We believe EMS Wireless and its dedicated employees will have a better future as part of a larger organization, such as Andrew, that is less affected by swings in sales of particular products and has a wider array of products to offer to wireless carriers. For these reasons, we think Andrew Corporation is the perfect match.”
EMS Technologies also offers satellite microwave and other product solutions.
Andrew: www.andrew.com
EMS Technologies: www.ems-t.com
